Rain Disrupts Steve Smith’s Anticipated Big Bash Comeback
Rain interrupted what was set to be a significant moment for Steve Smith as he made his anticipated return to the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Sydney Sixers. The match against the Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday was abandoned after only five overs due to inclement weather.
Smith’s Short Stint at the SCG
Steve Smith batted briefly, scoring 19 runs off 16 balls. His performance included a six and a four before rain halted play. Notably, he received a reprieve on 15 runs just before the weather changed.
Impact of the Abandoned Match
The Sydney Sixers began the game at 0-32, with Smith and Babar Azam both unbeaten. This disruption means Cricket Australia now faces the challenge of refunding ticket holders, as the match did not reach the necessary six overs to be officially considered valid.
Previous Conditions and Future Outlook
The hot weather in Sydney, exceeding 40°C the day before, starkly contrasted with the rain that affected this matchup. Sean Abbott, a paceman for the Sixers, expressed disappointment, citing the lost opportunity to see Smith and Azam perform together.
Despite the setback, Smith is expected to be available for the remainder of the BBL season. The Sixers will next face the Sydney Thunder on Friday, bringing back Mitchell Starc for his first BBL appearance since 2014.
BBL Standings Update
This outcome has implications for the league standings. The Hobart Hurricanes, aiming for a strong finish, only gained one point from the abandoned match. They risk losing their top position if they falter against Brisbane. Below is the current standing of the teams:
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Results | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
| Melbourne Stars | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Perth Scorchers | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Sydney Sixers | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| Brisbane Heat | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
The Sixers hold onto their final hopes, maintaining a competitive edge as the tournament progresses.
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